alternator install

[lindbergh]

Just curious, has anyone ever installed an alternator without a helper. When mounting a new alternator it takes about 20 seconds to have someone slip the bolt in while holding the alternator in place, which is the option I have used before. I fought it for about a half an hour before realizing that at least in my instance, it is not possible without a helper. Logically you need only two hands, one to hold the alternator and one to place the bolt, but the alternator and bolt position seem to not allow that option. I guess on a lift it would be possible. Just curious, have read many posts that say it is possible but they used a helper. No more wasting time for me.

[arrow_runner]

I just upgraded my alt the other night. I believe I got the really long bolt close to tight but not all the way, then, with one wrench on one side propped against the engine or something to hold stop the nut/bolt from turning, I pushed (or pulled, I can't remember if being above or below the car turned out to be the better method for me) the alternator as hard as I could then with my free hand turned a 2nd wrench to tighten things up. I hope that helps. The installation instructions were pretty clear that the belt should be really tight. It took me a couple tries before I finally got it.

[Jeffu]

It definitely can be done by yourself. I have done it twice on my own. Last time was in Nov last year when I put on the higher output alt. I did have the car raised up by jack stands....I can't remember the exact sequence but it did involve (at least for me) working under and over the top of the car both.

[Mike F]

Definitely doable, albeit easier if you put the car in the air a bit to give yourself some room to tighten the belt with a prybar, etc. One thing that I would definitely recommend is putting together a turnbuckle as described in the thread below:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?3186-Adjusting-alternator-tension

I did this on mine and it makes tightening the belt much easier. Particularly handy if you have to do any roadside repair!

[mluder]

It can definitely be done solo... I've done it so many times I've lost count. It is a bit tricky getting the bolts and everything tightened down.
Basically you have to tighten the mounting bolt enough to get some resistance to movement.
then install the tensioning bracket. That bolt should be captive in the alternator allowing you to tighten the nut one handed.
Then I use a pry bar to apply tension to the belt with one hand and tighten the tensioning bracket nut with the other.
Finally tighten the main mounting bolt/nut. You will probably have to prop a wrench or socket against the engine on the outboard (bolt) side while you tighten the nut up on the inside.

[dmruschell]

I just replaced the alternators in both of our DeLoreans by myself, and redid the job in one of them. I was putting in the a Saturn cross reference, so I had a 1/2 inch spacer to keep in place on the bolt in between the front mounting ear and the mount while mounting the alternator. I definitely recommend using a turnbuckle. I didn't need the 8mm to 10mm mounting bolt sleeve because, even with the mounting bolt loose, when I started tensioning the belt with the turnbuckle, the alternator wasn't budging. Any solution to make jobs like this easier is good by me.

[lindbergh]

Thanks for the replies. I like the belt tension alternative. Where can I get that part. Another question, attached is a pic of the DMCH alternator, you will notice there is a piece on the right or the attach point that looks like a permanent washer that sticks out about .25" or so. This is preventing the alternator from fitting onto the bracket on the car, is this piece supposed to be there? Not sure if I should get a press and push it all the way in or remove it completely. Any ideas? Thanks.


31027

[mluder]

You can just press it in... If I recall I tapped it in a bit at a time until it was a snug fit in the mounting bracket.

[Mike F]

Thanks for the replies. I like the belt tension alternative. Where can I get that part

I put mine together from the McMaster-Carr parts list in post #13 from that linked thread. Cost about $50 all-in. The nuts only come in multipacks, so you'll end up with some extras. I believe others found pre-fab units that worked from either eBay or some performance part sites, so that's another option. I thought it was kinda fun to put together, though, with the McMaster parts and can definitely speak to the fact that it works really well.

[Chris 16409]

I have some extra left had threaded jam nuts if you want one. You have to buy five at a time from McMaster. You can usually find metric right hand threaded jam nuts from a local fastener shop.